U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas has introduced two bills in Congress aimed at expanding patients' access to peer support professionals who are in recovery or dealing with mental health issues.
of first bill This will help remove some of the barriers that peer support professionals face in entering the profession. In Oregon, there are approximately 3,700 certified peer recovery specialists registered with the Oregon Health Authority, according to state data.
The bill would require federal agencies to track labor statistics for various industries and create clear classifications for their jobs in order to generate accurate data about these workers.
The bill would also direct the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which collects national addiction and mental health data, to recommend procedures for the training, certification, and supervision of peer support professionals.
“When people understand that there are people just like them who are going through the same issues and issues, it really reduces that barrier and that wall of stigma,” Salinas said in an interview. A Democrat, she represents the 6th District, which covers parts of Polk, Yamhill, Clackamas, Marion and Washington counties.
The bill also directs federal agencies to study and make recommendations regarding the structure of criminal background checks to ensure they are fair and do not create unnecessary barriers for people to enter the profession. ing.
U.S. Rep. Tracy Mann, Republican of Kansas, co-sponsored the bill with Salinas. A related bill has been introduced in the Senate and has the following support: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.).
A variety of national and state behavioral health organizations, including the Oregon Behavioral Health Council, which represents mental health providers, and the Oregon chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, a nonprofit organization that advocates for equitable access, have joined the effort. I support the bill. He said the bill was needed to address gaps in the system.
“As our nation grapples with workforce shortages and challenges of access to care for mental health and substance use conditions, this bill provides funding for peer support services and increases federal office funding,” said Mary Giliberti. “It will move our country forward by empowering us to provide technical assistance and recovery support.” Chief Public Policy Officer at Mental Health America.
Bill to help firefighters
of other bills This would allow fire departments to seek federal funding for peer support programs through existing Federal Emergency Management Agency programs.
The program already allows fire departments to seek grants for equipment, training and other needs.
Data shows that more firefighters die by suicide than in the line of duty. According to a national surveyAnd they are often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues.
Salinas said a visit with firefighters sparked the idea.
“Peer support counseling from firefighter to firefighter would make a huge difference for this group of workers,” Salinas said.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) and has the support of national and Oregon firefighting organizations, including the International Association of Firefighters, the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, and the Oregon Firefighters Council. It has gained.
“Chris Heppell, president of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, said in a statement that exposure to traumatic events, the physical demands of the job and the need to remain constantly alert can have a negative impact on mental health. . “Fellow firefighters trained as peer supporters have proven to be effective in providing front-line care to people experiencing chronic stress or severe crisis.”
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